Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in the NBA. He clinched the scoring title and was awarded the MVP. Additionally, he was recognized as the MVP of the Western Conference Finals.

However, his true test arrived on Friday as the Thunder faced a daunting 3-1 series deficit in the NBA Finals.

Superstars are born during critical matches, showcasing a unique ability to drive their teams to success. At 26, Gilgeous-Alexander has a remarkable résumé, but he had yet to reveal his potential in high-pressure moments.

Trailing by seven points in the last 12 minutes of Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers, he delivered a pivotal performance, scoring 15 of his 35 points within five minutes, leading his team to a 111-104 victory and tying the series at 2-2.

Despite averaging 32.7 points against the Pacers in the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess had not taken center stage in discussions about the series.

Yet what remained to be seen was his ability to respond under pressure—similar to the determined demeanor of legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Ultimately, even as his accolades increased this season, doubts lingered about whether he could carry his team when it mattered most.

Gilgeous-Alexander himself acknowledged the stakes: “Championship or bust. If we don’t win, it’s a failure.”

Last season, the Thunder were not yet championship contenders, having fallen to the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs. This time, he promised a different outcome.

The narrative shifted dramatically during the fourth quarter of Game 4. In those fleeting 12 minutes, the trajectory of the series could tilt either way—failure would herald the Thunder’s elimination, and victory would level the match-up.

Gilgeous-Alexander responded impressively, showcasing how he could substantially influence the game’s latter stages, leaving the Pacers unequipped to handle his surge of skill.

He executed impressive plays, such as making a layup past multiple defenders, blocking Tyrese Haliburton’s three-point shot, and executing high-pressure shots with impressive finesse. He nailed all eight of his free throw attempts, concluding the game shooting 10-for-10 from the charity stripe.

His performance illustrated his leadership qualities, revealing how he can remain composed in the face of adversity, positioning him as a strong candidate to be a superstar in the NBA.

As Thunder coach Mark Daigneault remarked, “You wouldn’t know whether he’s up three, down three, up 30, or down 30. He’s consistently the same.”

According to Alex Caruso, “You wouldn’t know if it was a preseason game or Game 4 of the NBA Finals—it’s just his mentality. That consistency allows us to thrive as a team, regardless of the situation. Beneath his calm personality lies a fierce competitiveness.”

Leading into the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander hadn’t been tested significantly. The Thunder swept through the first playoff round against Memphis, won decisively in the second round against Denver, and eliminated Minnesota in the Conference Finals with ease.

But when his championship dreams hung in the balance on Friday, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered.

“I was aware of how losing could reshape everything. I didn’t want to go down without fighting. I aimed to do everything in my power to win the game,” he commented after the match.

In that moment, glimpses of his greatness emerged dramatically.